2.8.13

Hitting the Waves of Sumba with Michael Turek

Michael Turek and UK Traveller Editor-At-Large Sophy Roberts wanted to do a inspiring and refreshing story for the March edition of the publication. The proposal was to shoot the Nihiwatu resort on a little-known island called Sumba in Eastern Indonesia. Unlike other luxury travel resorts, Nihiwatu is no holds barred and engages with the local community at a high and active level. Sure it's one of the best beach hotels in the world, but the resort doesn't hold back in presenting the extraordinary issues affecting local people.

Michael's photographs capture not only the undeniably blissful Nihiwatu resort but also the rich island culture. "Michael immerses himself completely in his subject matter. He chose to sleep in a local village, rather than in his luxury suite, just to get deeper into the culture," Sophy said. Hopefully Michael's deep dive into Sumba and sharing what responsible luxury tourism looks like can inspire a wave a change in the industry.